Cat Sleeping In The Litter Box, Why? 11 Surprising Causes!

If you find your cat sleeping or eating in its litter box, you are well-justified going insane. You will be finding answers to why my cat is sleeping in the litter box.

A good pet parent is always concerned about his pet and keeps a keen eye on its behavior. As far as cats are concerned, they show several weird reactions. They mainly show it when it is about their choice of place to sleep and take a nap. You may find your kitten curled in a small box on your bookshelf or maybe in your sink.

We understand the importance of information and quality regarding animal caring. Therefore, we have compiled a list of possible reasons to describe the facts about a cat sleeping in the litter box?

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Why Is My Cat Sleeping in The Litter Box? (11 Reasons)

There are 11 main reasons for your cat sleeping in the litter box. It is your responsibility to dig out what condition is with your little one. 

1. Your Cat Maybe Sick If It’s Sleeping In The Litter Box:

Cats are known for their sense of cleanliness. If your little cat has started sleeping in its litter box, there must be some serious issue with your feline fellow. Being a cat owner, you should address this issue. It may be hard to think, but there is a significant probability that your cat is sick. She may be suffering from some health issues.

2. Problem In Kidney:

The reason to sleep or nap in the litter box can be a urinary tract infection, bladder infection, kidney stones, or crystals. It makes her feel that it needs to pee frequently, and it finds it comfortable to sleep in the litter box so that it doesn’t have to run towards it every time.

3. Problem In Urinary System:

If you own a male cat, there are more chances for it to develop crystals in their urine. It can leave it unable to pass urine at all. This condition may lead to death only in 48 hours if it is left untreated.

Sleeping in the toilet seems odd unacceptable. Therefore, if you witness this weird attitude of your kitten, the first thing that clicks your mind must be its health condition. You should consider paying a quick visit to your vet. So that you may make sure your feline friend is doing just fine. It is essential because if ignored, such types of issues related to the urinary system can worsen. It may prove fatal for your kitten.

4. Stress & Anxiety Can Cause Your Cat Sleep In The Litter Box:

It has been reported that sleeping and staying confined to the litter box is the usual attitude in cats. Mostly it is the reaction to stress and discomfort.

It usually happens with cats when they get shifted to a new place or a new environment. They stay in their litter boxes. This is because the smell of their urine makes them feel familiar, just like a heaven of their own. They feel safe and secure in that little box. In this case, buy a litter box with odor-less technology. We’ve some suggestions regarding some High sided odor-free litter boxes, in case you might want to check. 

5. Recently Adopted Cats May Sleep In The Litter Box:

If a change in the environment and place is not the case, there may be some other changes that your cat may be scared of. For example, adopting another new pet, or a cat, lack of attention, having a new baby, renovation of your house, or it may be just a new roommate.

6. During Labor:

The behavior of sleeping in litter box has also been seen in pregnant cats when they are going to give birth. If they don’t find any suitable place, they take refuge in a litter box. This is because they consider it their most private place. They feel safe and relaxed there.

7. Asylum:

When your house is full of many guests and children playing everywhere, your cat becomes stressed. The only place where she will feel safe is the litter box. To your cat, it is something that only belongs to her. Therefore, this could be a reason your cat is sleeping in her litter box.

8. For Safety Assurance:

The smell of a cat’s urine is not pleasant; however, it is comforting for your cat. If your cat is stressed and is not feeling safe, she will move to her litter box. Cats that are in a shelter have shown this behavior more often. This is because they don’t feel safe in a new place.

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If your vet confirms your kitten is healthy, you must be wondering what else you can do to soothe your little fellow. Well, it has been observed that it is helpful if they are given extra care and attention for some time. They will eventually gain their confidence back and start wandering about gradually.

You may also set some cardboard boxes with soft blankets and cushions and place them nearby the litter box. So they may avail the opportunity and leave the box. You can also try putting the box in different peaceful places and observe what place they like the most.

9. Territory:

There is a general attitude found in cats; to mark their territory. They mark their areas with their urine. It may have taken over the litter box to show its strength, importance and to prove to be an alpha of the house.

10. Multiple Cats In a House:

If you have adopted a new pet and your old fellow started exhibiting this behavior, it may be a matter of power. By occupying the litter box, it may be bullying other pets allowing them to urinate only when they want. Or it may be otherwise such that the bullied one occupies the litter box and sleep in it so that it may know that it has access to it whenever it needs.

11. To Guard Their Property:

A cat may not share her litter box with the new cay because it is like her property. Therefore, she will likely sleep in a litter box so that the other cat won’t use it and she can guard her property. If your cat is not leaving her litter box, you can keep one for each cat.

It would be better if you have an equal number of boxes with the number of your pets.

Conclusion – Cat Sleeping In the Litter Box

So, if you are wondering why my cat is sleeping in the litter box, there is no need to worry because it is entirely reasonable with them. Parenting a feline, you must know the three most common reasons for the fact. The first thing which should hit your mind is a quick call or visit your vet. Make sure about the well-being of your kitten.

Secondly, it may be a reaction to some stressful conditions. Thirdly, it may be just a matter of power and dominance. All these issues can be quickly resolved by merely caring a little bit extra for your pet and paying them extra attention.